Wednesday, September 14, 2016

ZUMA DEFENDS ANC’S LOCAL GOVT ELECTION PERFORMANCE

President Jacob Zuma is answering questions in the National Assembly this afternoon.

Tough session: President Jacob Zuma's question and answer session on 13 September 2016 was disrupted when members of Cope and the EFF walked out of the National Assembly. Picture:
Natalie Malgas & Ray White

JOHANNESBURG/CAPE TOWN – President Jacob Zuma has jumped to defend the African National Congress’ (ANC) performance during the 2016 local government elections, saying it’s not true that people have lost confidence in ruling party.

Zuma was answering questions in the National Assembly this afternoon.

He says of all the political parties that took part in the highly contested elections in August, none of them won and that “in this last election – the ruling party is leading.”

The President added that, “The economy is picking up, I don't see why rating agencies will move against facts.”

Zuma addressed the ANC’s loss of support in the local government elections.

He says the governing party did well and the outcome of the local government elections showed that democracy is merely maturing in the country.

“What has happened in three metros – there is no party that won, of all the parties that were contesting, there is not a single party one that won.”

He also announced a number of key projects aimed at boosting the local economy, with Transnet taking over the procurement of locomotives, while a plan is being drafted to address the country’s power needs and water supply is being given special attention.

Zuma says municipalities will receive assistance to save water.

“This will be done to facilitate the placement of water agents that government is training.”

He says municipal infrastructure will be taken care of.

“An action plan to ensure greater expenditure on municipal infrastructure maintenance and to enforce proper financial asset management will be developed and implemented.”

Zuma also says plans are underway to address the country’s energy needs, with an integrated plan to be completed by the end of the year.

NO WAR

At the same time, President Zuma says government is not at war with itself and the state is dealing with issues to prevent such perceptions.

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